One of the major shifts underway whose implications are poorly understood by most organizations is the move to software defined networks. These networks are not like the traditional hard wired communications path we’re used to or even the autonomic systems of the human body, relying on rules that are predefined. They are more cognitive systems that enable and even make decisions based on experience.

The difference can be explained with the following example. When you are playing catch, you reach for the ball flying towards you. You position your hand based on previous experiences rather than calculations or rules. If you catch the ball, it reinforces your experiences, making you better. If you drop it, you change your behavior the next time. This approach is a foundational change what I include in my definition of systems of action.

We don’t know how to do this with software perfectly yet, but as computing capabilities increase and the algorithms improve, the application of these techniques is well within reach. Networking is one area where we’ll see it early, creating an Internet that is responsive to the changing needs of the day. Eventually expanding out to most business processes. The flexibility of SDN will impact how applications are written in much the same way that hybrid cloud and IaaS should influence the architecture of applications today.

Searching and sentiment analysis are other areas where we’re seeing these techniques applied today. Learning algorithms attempt to derive intent, moving to a negative response time where organizations can influence decisions and actions can be taken before the decision is made.

One of the major drivers for this adoption is the scarcity of attention in business today. These approaches will allow us to focus attention more effectively and filter through the torrent of information and more importantly the choices flooding us today.